Das Weihnachtsschloss

If you have seen your fair share of Hallmark Christmas films, like me as a big fan of the holiday, it would be safe to say that you are very likely to know what to expect and one shouldn't expect any more. Have always watched the Hallmark Christmas films, which have been many over the past few years and especially at the end of last year, with mixed expectations. That are either met and even exceeded, or the film completely misses the mark and does little with any potential.

'Chateau Christmas' is one of the "film being more or less what was expected" sort, meaning a pleasant enough if not exceptional film. 2020 was a mixed year for Hallmark (not uncommon for previous years) and that is true for their Christmas output too, and 'Chateau Christmas' is around high middle in ranking. The story is nothing extraordinary, but it is worth seeing for seeing two Hallmark regulars doing good jobs and raising their material to a bigger level.

A lot is good. The production values are very pleasing to look at, nice use of locations slickly shot. The music generally captures the Christmas feel very well and is not near as over-scored or intrusive as too many of a lot of Hallmark films, it also plays a big part in the film and turns out to be one of the pleasures. The script can be very corny, but mostly flows nicely and has a light-hearted and sweet tone without being too sugary sweet. It's sympathetically directed without being routine.

Merritt Patterson is an engaging female lead who has a character that was relatable to me, being a musician that has struggled to bounce back after being knocked in confidence. Luke MacFarlane is always worth watching and is subtly charming and confident. Despite having problems with how the relationship was written and used, Patterson and MacFarlane did have chemistry in a more understated way when they were able to show it. The supporting cast do well

While the story isn't perfect, exceptional and is derivative, it is charming, is light on its feet and is heart-warming with nice use of the festive setting. It doesn't take itself too seriously that it becomes too dreary, while not treating things as too much of a joke at the same time. 'Chateau Christmas' has characters that are likeable, with lead characters that are not annoying or stiff like they are in other Hallmark Christmas films.

Did feel however that the central relationship was under-developed and underused, almost getting lost amidst everything to do with the music. As said the story isn't perfect, not just because of it being lacking in originality but also because it is a slow starter, feels too pat at the end and has too many not so realistic coincidences.

Like what was said before, the dialogue can be corny and has a lot of cheese in the first portion.

Overall, not bad at all and made better by the leads despite the uneven storytelling. 6/10.

I grade Hallmark movies on a curve because I love them. And I really enjoy watching talented beautiful actresses like Merritt Patterson (especially in The Christmas Cottage and Forever in My Heart). But I just didn't feel a lot of chemistry between her and her old boyfriend (played by Luke Macfarlane). I did, however, like the relationship between the estranged couple that was part of the Lafayette Quartet.

The reason I went to the trouble of writing this review is because I really really hated the movie's emphasis on the very BIG and IMPORTANT concert that ended up taking place in what seemed like a small banquet room with maybe 30-40 people in attendance (including family). And then, when the BIG night arrived, Merritt's Patterson's character came out and played just one song. She's the "famous" headliner of a BIG concert that needed her old boyfriend to be the concert director- and she plays one song for 30-40 people???? And it's somehow a great success? With the boyfriend praised for his "leadership" as the director? What??

I realize that Hallmark movies are made on a tight budget but somebody should've invested in a CGI team to make it look like there were more people there. That same team could be used to fill out the crowds at every festival or a big event that's featured in virtually every Hallmark movie (most of which also seem sparsely attended).

And the Director and Editor should have made it seem like the headliner played more than just one song.

Most of us Hallmark fans are happy to buy into the fantasy of a love story full of familiar tropes and a guaranteed happy ending. But they need to try and make the rest of a movie like this seem plausibly realistic. They failed in this movie and it ruined the rest of it for me.

I wasn't a big fan of this one and I can't put my finger on why exactly, it just seemed slow and without any fun or spark. I know it's about classical musicians who may seem reserved in their performances but perhaps they took that too far. I really like both of the leads in most everything they do, and their performances here were very good, just no romantic chemistry

The music saves this film to be only another Halmark Christmas film. The reunion of ex lovers, after long period has its charme , to, being fair constructed. And, for the large public of this genre of film, the presence in cast of Merritt Peterson and Luke Macfarlane , their seductive job, to, represents the nice gift. In same measure, the eulogy to family, the references to options after universitarian studies, the lovely presences of Suki Kaiser, Bobby Steward, Hrothgar Mathews and young Alix West Lefter , the inspired portrait of mother , proposed by Jessica Steen and the relation between Kate and Todd are the good virtues, in same measure. Sure, the recipe is more than familiar, but the music gives soul and grace to a story not very rich in surprises. The result is decent and, for few scenes, just seductive.

Such a lovely movie, "so simple yet charming" is the best way to describe it.

The story is somewhat different but still very familiar to most Hallmark movies, but that's not a bad thing. The musical aspects of the movie gave it an original direction, something more than the standard event planner or bakery angle.

But the best thing about this movie is without a doubt the actors, Margot (Merritt Patterson) is just unbelievable as always, every one of her lines radiates charm effortlessly, as for her co-star Jackson (Luke Macfarlane) he compliments her perfectly, this is definitely one of his better performances.

Another strong aspect of this movie is the supporting cast, without a doubt one of the better ones i have seen in a while, nothing extraordinary, just plain good acting all around with no exception.

I would strongly recommend seeing this delightful movie.

6.9 out of 10 stars.